Engineering is one of the apt fields that have taken the world from where it was to where it is now. Thus, the impact of engineering on our lives and the globe as a whole can never be measured up to. Hence, all these edifying structures and amazing technologies wouldn’t have been achievable without the least glimpse contribution of Engineering. However, Engineering as a study is a very vast one as it entails different fields of study with each having its complexity. On this note, one needs to ensure that there on the right track during the study of engineering. Buttressing to this point we have painstakingly compiled the list of best engineering universities in Nigeria. Also contained herein are their various rankings and acceptance rates.
Furthermore, without being told, we know that the adverse effect of some engineering products is brought about as a result of poorly developed engineers. Even if other factors can be deduced, they will all be attributed to him for not discovering them on time. Examples of such things are bridges falling. And so many buildings collapsing in the country. On this note, we need to identify schools where students can study engineering in Nigeria and come out as a professional.
Hence, if you’ve been asking questions like; what are the best engineering universities to study in Nigeria? Which University has adequate facilities in Nigeria to professionally teach engineering? Then take a chilled glass of water, seat, and carefully read through this article as we have provided you with the sufficient information you need. But before telling the list it will be wise we learn more about engineering and how it operates in Nigeria.
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Who is An Engineer?
So many miss the concepts of who an engineer truly is. Some think of an engineer as those who stand by roadsides and fix issues on their vehicles or mechanical tools. Others still see engineers as anyone creative with the crafts of mechanism. Generically, in a layman’s style, they are all correct.
But in the real sense, engineers are those who have been certified and licensed to practice Engineering. In other words, you must have gone through years of training and studies and registered with the engineering organizing body of your country to be a certified engineer. Becoming an engineer is not an easy one as the process is tasking and requires a lot of complexity.
However, an Engineer is someone who applies scientific knowledge to construct, design, and maintain a structure, machine, software, etc.
What is Engineering?
Engineering is simply the application of scientific knowledge, principles, and research. Also, technological development can be attributed to engineering. Furthermore, engineering consists of different fields as what is involved in engineering is wide. Hence, some of the fields of engineering are in the likes of Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Civil, Chemical, etc.
Meanwhile, each engineering fields mentioned herein also consist of its respective broadness. Mechanical engineering will best deal with mechanical and automobile parts. It also has an immense contribution to refrigeration and cooling systems.
Chemical engineering is also one of the very vast available engineering fields. The study is very broad that it still has to be disintegrated in fields to ease learning and specialization. This field consists of courses like petrochemical or petroleum engineering, Microelectronics polymer, etc.
Also, the Civil engineering field and the rest of them all have their respective complexity. But one interesting thing about engineering is that all the fields therein are interdependent.
Reasons to Study Engineering
Do you have aspirations to undertake an engineering program but still need serious conviction? Then we are going to give you genuine reasons that will make you never think twice again.
First and foremost, do you know that engineering application is the major global shaper of this Millennium? Hence, if you are looking for reasons to study engineering, then it is not far-fetched.
Studying engineering will have a great impact on you both career-wise, pocket-wise, and mentally. Engineers are known for their fast ability of reasoning, which was gained during their engineering study. Hence, you’ll acquire a great sense of reasoning innovative ideas, and creativity.
Furthermore, as an engineer, you will have to contribute to a society that is one of the sweetness of life. Even if neglecting that, you’d have the opportunity to explore the world as engineering jobs are all about exploration. Also, pocket-wise, engineers earn a very great handsome. Engineers’ salary scale is very high and they tend to live very comfortably later on.
Engineers also tend to be lucrative on their part. In fact in Nigeria becoming an engineer is a safe passage to financial freedom as it is among the most lucrative degree to obtain in the country. Also, just having a reputation as an engineer matters a lot. As you will be respected in society. Hence, the reasons to study engineering are numerous and cannot all be said on one page. Thus, this is the very purpose you need to learn about the best Engineering Universities in Nigeria.
Nonetheless, in a nutshell, the reasons mentioned above can be summed to;
Engineering Regulatory Body in Nigeria
As earlier said that engineers are those who have been certified and licensed to practice Engineering. In Nigeria, there is a single regulatory body that issues an engineering license. Nonetheless, each engineering field still has a regulatory body that tends to put them together across the country in different institutions. Though, without getting a license from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) you are not yet a certified engineer. Hence the major regulatory licensing body in Nigeria is COREN.
The COREN organization was established in Nigeria in 1970. It is the major body that regulates engineering practices in Nigeria. COREN mostly works in collaboration with the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) to give licenses to registered engineers in the country. Hence, engineering to practice professionally in the country.
Though apart from COREN, there are other regulatory bodies in the country, hence will discuss in brief below;
As earlier said, NSE works hand in hand with COREN for the regulation of licensing in Nigeria. Thus, NSE is the abbreviation of the Nigeria Society of Engineers. This is the association of professional engineers in Nigeria. This society was established in 1958, hence older than COREN establishments. COREN was established with the consideration of having an Organizing body.
Surprisingly, NSE was developed by a group of young Nigerian Graduate Engineers. They did this in collaboration with students in the United Kingdom and it was inaugurated at the Nigerian House in London. NSE was registered under the Nigerian government in 1967 with the Corporate Affairs Commission. The body has several branches across the country.
IEEE is an abbreviation for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. It is often called I-triple-E. This is the organizing and regulatory body of electrical and electronics engineering studies worldwide. They are the major determines of the scheme for teaching students in this engineering field. They also assist in regulating many electronics productions. Hence, IEEE is also affiliated with all Nigerian Engineering Universities. Thus, IEEE is dedicated to promoting technological innovations and excellence for the benefit of humanity. They also intend to inspire their global community by setting high technology standards and schemes.
Hence, this is the abbreviation for the Institute of Drilling and Petroleum Engineering. Thus this is also a world-class standard organization. This body is responsible for regulating oil drilling and exploration. This institute is based on providing solutions to energy sectors and creating professional schemes for proper education.
This stands for the Nigerian Institute for Biomedical Engineering. NIBE is a regulatory body in Nigeria that maintains good standards in the teachings and practice of Biomedical engineering and technology. They help to ensure that all Nigerian schools satisfy the needful in teaching students to standard and hence, promote biomedical engineering and technology in Nigeria internationally.
This stands for the Nigeria Institutes of Metallurgical, Mining, and Materials Engineers. This is also one of the engineering regulatory bodies in the country. This institute establishes standards and codes that serve the members of metallurgical, mining, and materials engineering
This is the regulatory body for mechanical engineering activities in the country. NIMECHE stands for the Nigeria Institutes of Mechanical Engineers. This institute ensures that all Nigerian Unis maintain discipline in their mechanical engineering field of studies.
The Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers also known as NIStructE is an engineering regulatory body in Nigeria. This institute governs and represents structural engineering in the country. They provide disciplinary measures and standards to ensure that everything is in place in their fields.
This is the regulatory body that ensures that quality piping material is applied in professional workstations in Nigeria. IPEN stands for the Institute of Piping Engineers of Nigeria. Hence, they ensure that good and standard piping materials are applied to the oil and gas sector in the country. Thus, they also issue certification to its members
This is an abbreviation for the Nigerian Institute of Appraisers and Cost Engineers. This is a division of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE). Hence, this division stands for the evaluation of engineering costs and the economy of the country.
This is the institute responsible for regulating the study of Agricultural Engineering and its related fields. NIAE stands for the Nigerian Institute of Agricultural Engineering. They ensure that professional measures and schemes are used to teach students in Nigeria.
This is one of the essential bodies of Engineering in Nigeria. Thus, this institute is responsible for providing engineering safety measures to be maintained across the country. It is also a division of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE). NISE stands for Nigeria Institute of Safety Engineers.
Apart from the aforementioned regulatory bodies here, there are still other unmentioned Engineering regulatory organizations in the country.
Engineers Salary Scale in Nigeria
Engineers are one of the top earners in Nigeria Industries. Though there are different kinds of engineers in the country, their salary scale ranges from 100,000 Naira to 1,000,000 Naira or more on a monthly average.
Although, the salary determinants are concerning your job position. Engineering managers usually earn higher in Nigerian industries. Thence, they are followed by the Experts, the Senior Engineering staff, and the rest of the engineering crew. Meanwhile, just know that engineers are one of the most well-paid individuals in Nigeria and even worldwide.
How to Become an Engineer in Nigeria
The journey to becoming an engineer is a tedious one. You’d have to go through rigorous training and obtain several certificates to be a certified engineer. Hence, you will also require a year of experience and an internship to become a professional engineer.
Nonetheless, below is a rundown of the necessary steps for becoming an engineer;
#1. Make Your Choice of Engineering:
This is the stage where you have to choose the engineering field you want to venture into. Knowing that engineering is a very broad one. You will have to decide if you are going to either be plying for Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, etc engineering fields. You ensure you enroll in the science class as it is called in Nigeria secondary schools.
#2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree from a NUC Accredited University:
The next step to becoming an Engineer is earning a bachelor’s degree in any of the accredited unis by the Nigeria University Council (NUC). There the students will be taught the whole concept of engineering and are usually allowed to go for a one-year SIWESS program in between their studies. Also, note that any engineering course not approved by COREN to be undertaken in any Nigerian university is not valid for students to pay for it. Here the students may either be granted a B.Tech or B.Engine certificate depending on the Uni.
#3. Earn a Master’s Degree in a Sub-discipline of Engineering:
Though, before commencing a master’s degree in your selected died of engineering mastery, it is advisable students first gain little industrial experience. After then, you can then enroll in a master’s degree program in an accredited institution in the country.
#4. Establish Licensure through the COREN Exam:
After obtaining a master’s degree, the student is almost at the amount of his aspiration of becoming an engineer. Nevertheless, the student needs to obtain licensure through the COREN exam. To be registered as a certified engineer in the country.
#5. Gain Practical Experience in the Field:
Now it is real-time to get a grounded experience in your engineering field of specialization. You’d need to work for industries and engineering enterprises to get hands-on experience on what engineering is all about. You’d have to work for years and contribute to the development of the industry.
#6. Earn a Professional Engineering license in a Sub-discipline of Engineering:
You can also further your engineering aspiration by obtaining a professional engineering (PE) license in any sub-discipline of your choice. Like obtaining a doctoral degree in a specified field of engineering. Thus strengthening your stand as an engineer.
#7. Get Further Professional Certification/Join Professional Societies:
To be a full-fledged engineer, you need to join one of the engineering societies in the country. Examples of such engineering societies have been listed above. Refer to the engineering organizing body in Nigeria to extract more info.
List of Engineering Courses Offered in Nigeria Institutions
Note: The most engineering courses worth to be undertaken in any Nigerian institution are that which have been approved by COREN. Because they tend to have higher employability rates in the country.
Top 10 Best Engineering Universities in Nigeria
We have painstakingly compiled a good list of the top engineering schools to study engineering in Nigeria. Some of these Universities have been doing exceptionally well in their engineering disciplines. Most of them have been ranked the best university in Nigeria and have a prominent place in Africa University rankings.
Also, it is important you know the acceptance rates of these schools to know your better chance of gaining admission into the University school of engineering. Knowing the acceptance rates of this unit will make you know the intensity of study you’d need to obtain admission into the school. Because, considering Nigeria’s education, getting into these prestigious Universities is highly competitive.
Methodology Used
Ranking:
The engineering universities were ranked concerning the faculty or school of engineering in the school and not considering the university as a whole. Some schools might rank higher than others in the NUC ranking and world ranking when considering the University’s overall performance. But this ranking was done by giving specializations to the engineering fields therein the school.
Meanwhile, we provided rankings of Nigeria Universities from different sources. With their latest 2022/2023 rankings.
Acceptance Rate:
Knowing that the acceptance rate varies yearly, our acceptance rate was determined by the average application the school receives each year concerning the number of students that gets admission. Thus, this is only about the engineering courses in the school.
Disclaimer:
However, this ranking was done using available information from the author. Therefore is meant to be used as another source of information only. It is not advisable to solely rely on this article for any decision-making.
#1. Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
On our top list is the Federal University of Technology Akure popularly called FUTA. This is a Federal University in Nigeria that focuses on Engineering and technology as its majors. The school has always been in rivalry with FUTO in remaining on the top of the list of the best Engineering Uni in the country.
FUTA was established in 1981 and was aimed at producing graduates with both conceptual and hands-on experience. Thus, the school has produced many prominent graduates that have deeply contributed to the engineering and technology development in Nigeria. In the school, 2017 was ranked 2nd place at the top engineering school in the country and 10th general ranking by webometrics.
The school openly accepts applications from both international and domestic students every year and there are several financial aids also, available for students therein. Also, studying at FUTA is very affordable as it is a federal university. The school has a student capacity of 15,000 students of which 2,000 are postgraduate students. Thus, the school receives over 20,000 applications every year, with an acceptance space of 3,500 plus.
Furthermore, to see various engineering courses offered in the school, kindly visit the school webpage and go to the faculty of engineering for a better view.
#2. Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
This is another incredible school on the list. Students from the school have been performing engineering wonders in the country. The Federal University of Technology Owerri, popularly called Futo is the first university of technology in the country. This is another prestigious federal university in Nigeria whose specialty is in engineering and technology.
FUTO was established by the Nigerian government in 1980. FUTO was the first of its kind in Nigeria. The school has produced several graduates who have heavily impacted industrialization in Nigeria. Statistics hold it that there must be a Futo graduate in most industrial firms in the country. Even the students of the school are another set of zeal up beings. In 2019 one of the graduating students of the school produced a drone. You must have heard of it as the news went viral.
The school is located in Owerri in Imo state. And have open arms to both international and domestic students having a capacity of over 22,000 students. The school is well known for its practical focused scheme of teaching and disciplinary measures in her engineering disciplines. Hence, having 9 faculties therein.
Getting admission to Futo is usually very competitive, as the school receives applications from over 32,000 students every year and only admits up to 5,000.
Furthermore, to see various engineering courses offered in the school, kindly visit the school webpage and go to the faculty of engineering for a better view.
#3. The University of Ilorin
This is another great university in Nigeria established in 1975. This university is far more just good for studying engineering but is also good for other fields of study as they have maintained their academic relevance in the country. She is well known for her discipline. The University of Ilorin popularly called UniIlorin is the biggest university in Nigeria in terms of landmass and structure. The school has also regularly maintained its position to remain among the top five universities in the country over the years.
Meanwhile, the school is being rated among the third best university in the country when it comes to its engineering discipline. As they have bagged out several prominent graduates who have immensely contributed to the growth of engineering activities in the country.
The school is located in Kwara state Nigeria and regularly welcomes applications from both international and domestic students. The school has a student capacity of 50,000 owing to the number of degree courses offered in. Living and studying costs at the University of Illorin is quite affordable as it is a Federal Institution.
The number of applications the school receives each year is always on the high side as an average of over 103,000 students sought for the school each year. Hence getting admitted into the school is very competitive as the schools only admit approximately 13,000 students each year.
Furthermore, to see various engineering courses offered in the school, kindly visit the school webpage and go to the faculty of engineering for a better view.
#4. The University of Lagos (UNILAG)
This list would have not been worth it without putting the great University of Lagos on the list. The University of Lagos, popularly known as UNILag is one of the highly esteemed universities in Nigeria. The school is a federal university situated in Lagos Nigeria.
The University has generally maintained its position on the top list of Universities in the country. The University of Lagos has produced many great alumni that occupy great positions in Nigeria Industries. The school was established in 1962 and has 12 faculties therein. The school is well equipped with world-class facilities to teach students therein.
Research holds that as of 2013, the University has a student capacity of 57,183 students. Thus, the school is well respected for its maintained discipline across the fields of study in the Uni. The school admits over 8,000 students out of the statistics of over 60,000 received applications.
Furthermore, to see various engineering courses offered in the school, kindly visit the school webpage and go to the faculty of engineering for a better view.
#5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
The great University of Ife as it was formerly known, is one of the prestigious universities in Nigeria. The school was established in 1961 and renamed OAU which is the Obafemi Awolowo University in 1987. The university is located in the great city of Ife Osun state. The school has been doing exceedingly well in the country. Producing graduates that best fit into top positions in industries in Nigeria.
The University is a federal government-operated university and has a very big landmass. The school has a student capacity of over 35,000 students. And offers varieties of courses. Thus, Obafemi Awolowo University is well recognized in Nigeria when it comes to its engineering discipline. Although, the school has carefully maintained its standards and is on the top of the best schools in Nigeria over the year.
The school gladly welcomes applications each year from both domestic and international students. Also, several financial aids scheme is being provided to assist students in the uni. From the report gotten from premium times, OAU admits approximately 7,000 students each year out of the application of over 50,000 students in the country
Furthermore, to see various engineering courses offered in the school, kindly visit the school webpage and go to the faculty of engineering for a better view.
#6. The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
The Federal University of Technology Minna has over the years been rated among the top engineering universities in Nigeria. FUTMINNA is a university that concentrates on engineering and technology studies. Alongside its co-FUTO and FUTA. The school has proven much academic relevance to Nigeria that it couldn’t be left unmentioned.
FUTMINNA was established in 1983 and is situated in Niger state Nigeria. The school is also a federal government operating uni in Nigeria. The school is known to have a student capacity of over 13,000 students of which 2,000 are postgraduate students. FUTMINNA is well-rated in Genetics engineering studies and Biotechnology.
The Uni welcomes both international and home-based students every year. Also, the school has students in mind, therefore, they provide several scholarship schemes to assist them. FUTMINNA receives applications from over 13,000 students every year and admits only approximately 5,000 students
Furthermore, to see various engineering courses offered in the school, kindly visit the school webpage and go to the faculty of engineering for a better view.
#7. The University of Benin (UNIBEN)
The popular UNIBEN was formerly known as the Institute of Technology. The school was established in 1970. The University of Benin as it is known is located in Benin City. It is a public research university that offers varieties of courses. The school has also been doing exceedingly well and has also produced good graduates in the country.
UNIBEN is also a federal government-operated university. Has a student capacity of approximately 75,000 students. Hence, the school has been cited as one of the best unis in Nigeria in its engineering discipline.
The school receives applications from over 85,000 students each year and sadly only about 12,000 get the chance to be admitted.
Furthermore, to see various engineering courses offered in the school, kindly visit the school webpage and go to the faculty of engineering for a better view.
#8. University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
The University of Nigeria Nsukka is undoubtfully the first university in Nigeria to issue Nigeria degrees, UNN, as it is popularly, called has been doing exceedingly well in their educational standards over the years. The school has maintained its, position in staying among the top unis in the country. It is among the list of best engineering universities in Nigeria.
The University of Nigeria Nsukka is a federal government university established in 1955 under the watch of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. The school is the alma mater of many outstanding personalities in Nigeria. Thus, is well respected.
The school has 15 faculties therein and state-of-the-art facilities for teaching its students. The cost of studying at UNN is quite affordable and convenient. The school has a student capacity of over 36,000 students.
Every year, UNN receives applications in their engineering disciplines from over 10,000 students. But sadly, only 1000+ get the opportunity to get admitted to the school. Therefore getting admission to the school is very competitive.
Furthermore, to see various engineering courses offered in the school, kindly visit the school webpage and go to the faculty of engineering for a better view.
#9. Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH)
Ladoke Akintola University popularly known as LAUTECH is also one of the prestigious universities in Nigeria when it comes to its Engineering disciplines. LAUTECH was established in 1990 and is owned by the Oyo State government. In other words, it is a technical State university.
The uni has 7 faculties and schools collectively and major or technological and engineering studies. LAUTECH has also produced great graduates occupying exceptional positions in Nigerian industries.
LAUTECH has a student capacity of over 30,000 students.
Getting admitted into LAUTECH is not so competitive, thus the engineering faculties therein have a good acceptance rate. It is also among the list of best engineering universities in Nigeria.
Furthermore, to see various engineering courses offered in the school, kindly visit the school webpage and go to the faculty of engineering for a better view.
#10. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
Olabisi Onabanjo University is a great Uni formerly known as Ogun state university. The school was renamed in the honor of the prestigious late governor of Ogun state in 2001. Due to his efforts in establishing the University in 1982. Therefore, OOU is a government-operated research university. It is also among the list of best engineering universities in Nigeria.
The uni offers varieties of courses and thus has 10 faculties. OOU has been cited to be well disciplined in the engineering courses offered by the university. Generally, the school has a student capacity of about 55,000 students. And have bagged many contributing graduates into Nigeria’s economy.
The acceptance rate of the school is quite laudable as it admits over 6,000 students yearly. Though, getting admission into OOU is also very competitive.
Furthermore, to see various engineering courses offered in the school, kindly visit the school webpage and go to the faculty of engineering for a better view.
Other Good Engineering Universities in Nigeria
Here are other universities in Nigeria excelling in their Engineering Disciplines;
FAQs on List of Best Engineering Universities in Nigeria
Which engineering is the best to study in Nigeria?
Most of the institutions mentioned here do exceptionally well across the engineering disciplines offered in the school. However, there are engineering courses that are best thought out in Nigeria generally. They are;
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- Computer Engineering,
- Telecommunication Engineering,
- Information and Communication Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
- Food Engineering
- Material and Metallurgical Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Polymer/Textile Engineering
- Wood Engineering
Which is the Biggest University in Nigeria?
The University of Ilorin is the biggest in Nigeria concerning land Mass.
How much do Engineers earn in Nigeria?
Engineers are one of the top earners in Nigeria Industries. Though there are different kinds of engineers in the country, their salary scale ranges from 100,000 Naira to 1,000,000 Naira or more on a monthly average.
Which is the best University to study engineering in Nigeria?
From our statistics, the university on our top list to study engineering in Nigeria is the Federal University of Technology Akure.
How profitable are Engineering courses in Nigeria?
Engineering programs are one of the most lucrative degrees in Nigeria. The unemployment rate of engineering students is almost little or nothing. Engineering graduates in the country can easily develop their firms in the country as Nigeria runs on a capitalist ground.
What is the engineering regulatory body in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, without getting a license from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) you are not yet a certified engineer. Hence the major regulatory licensing body in Nigeria is COREN
Conclusion
On the end note, after carefully going through this list of best universities to study engineering in Nigeria. We are assured that you are on the right track in selecting the best school to undertake your engineering program. And hope you’ve understood clearly the pros and cons of becoming an engineer in Nigeria. If this article answered your question and doubts, kindly share it on your social media platforms. Someone else might be needing this information.
